Anutin has long opposed the bill, arguing it could damage Thailand’s relationship with China, the country’s largest tourism source. He noted that Beijing views casino expansion as a threat, which has contributed to declining visitor numbers from China.
Thailand’s newly elected Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, has made it clear that casino legalization will not move forward during his administration, effectively halting any revival of the long-debated Entertainment Complexes Bill. The proposal, initially backed by former prime ministers Srettha Thavisin and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, sought to establish integrated resorts with casinos to boost tourism and attract foreign investment.
Anutin, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, was sworn in as Thailand’s 32nd prime minister on September 8 after securing 311 parliamentary votes. His election ended weeks of political uncertainty following Paetongtarn’s removal from office by the Constitutional Court over ethical violations. In fact, the bill had already been withdrawn from the parliamentary agenda in July, and with Anutin now in power, any attempt to revive it appears unlikely.
Tourism Fallout from Casino Debate
Anutin has long opposed the bill, arguing it could damage Thailand’s relationship with China, the country’s largest tourism source. He noted that Beijing views casino expansion as a threat, which has contributed to declining visitor numbers from China.
According to Nation Thailand, Chinese tourist arrivals dropped 34% in the first half of 2025, with total foreign visitors down 7%. Earlier, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) lowered its annual forecast from 37 million to 33 million visitors—well below the pre-pandemic peak of 40 million in 2019. TAT also cited additional setbacks such as April’s earthquake in northern Thailand and Myanmar, alongside global economic pressures.
Political Uncertainty Worries Investors
Both Srettha and Paetongtarn of the Pheu Thai Party had promoted the casino legislation as part of a broader economic recovery plan.
However, Bangkok Post reported that business leaders, including the chairman of the National Shippers’ Council of Thailand, Dhanakorn Kasetrsuwan, warned that ongoing political instability would heighten risks for both investors and consumers. Tourism consultants have also voiced concern about long-term impacts.
Weak Mandate for New Leadership
Anutin’s premiership was secured with the backing of the People’s Party opposition, reportedly in exchange for a promise to dissolve parliament and hold fresh elections within four months. As a result, he leads a minority government with limited political authority.
A recent poll from the National Institute of Development Administration revealed that nearly 60% of Thai voters want parliament dissolved quickly, highlighting public frustration with continued political turbulence.
Casinos Blocked, Poker Still in Discussion
While casinos are firmly off the table, gambling reforms have not vanished entirely. Earlier this year, the Sports Authority of Thailand officially recognized poker as a sport, and the Ministry of Interior revoked a decades-old order that had excluded card games from gambling licenses.
